Finding Purpose in the Wait
As I reflect on the years I spent longing to be married, I realize that it was a season of growth and transformation. One of the most significant discoveries I made during this time was that living with unmet desires didn’t mean I was living in sinful discontentment. This realization was rooted in my understanding of the biblical picture of Christ as the Bridegroom and his church as the bride.
A Picture of Longing
Just as marriage is a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the church, my longing for a husband became a picture of the church’s wait for Christ’s return. I began to see that I could embody the church’s expectation and hope, even in the midst of unfulfilled desires. This perspective gave my longing theological significance and reminded me that the church is meant to be watching, waiting, and praying for Christ’s return.
The Uncertainty of Waiting
When we wait for something or someone, we’re often unsure if our longings will be fulfilled in this life. Similarly, as we wait for Christ’s return, we don’t know if it will happen in our lifetime. Yet, we can be certain that our ultimate longing will be fulfilled in the life to come when the Bridegroom is reunited with his church forever.
Redeeming the Wait
Another crucial realization I had during this season was that my time of waiting wasn’t wasted. Whether or not I got married, I was living the life God had ordained for me. It wasn’t just preparation; it was an opportunity to fully engage with the church and use my gifts to serve and glorify God. I learned that serving God as a single person may look different from serving as a married person, but it’s no less valuable.
Making the Most of the Present
Recognizing that this life is short and that our time on earth is limited, I knew I needed to make the most of my singleness. Whether it lasted a few years or a lifetime, I wanted to use my time to serve and glorify God with every day he gave me. By adopting this mindset, I was able to find purpose and fulfillment in the present, even as I waited for the future.
About the Author
Betsy Childs Howard is an editor for the Gospel Coalition and author of several books, including Seasons of Waiting. She lives with her family in Birmingham, Alabama, where her husband pastors Grace Church.
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